Increase in non-emergency calls to 9-1-1

Strathcona County’s Emergency Communications Centre has recorded a significant increase in the number of accidental calls to 9-1-1. Almost 26 per cent of the 9-1-1 calls received in the first five months of 2023 have been accidental Emergency SOS, pocket dials, hang ups and wrong numbers.

The increase in these types of calls may be because of a new Emergency SOS feature on Android phones. Cell phone users are reminded to be familiar with their phone or devices’ Emergency SOS settings. Features such as press and hold and repeatedly pressing the power button can trigger an automatic call to 9-1-1. All 9-1-1 calls are treated as emergencies until the caller says it is not.

“Our Emergency Communications Operators will call every ‘hang up’ caller back to ensure the caller’s safety. It can take up to a minute or two to make contact with the caller and this takes time away from other emergencies that may be occurring. If the caller can’t be reached, emergency personnel may be sent,” said Chief of the Emergency Operations Centre Lori Rautio. “The most important thing is to stay on the line if you accidentally call. Don’t hang up. You won’t be in trouble, and it lets the Operator know you are safe.”

Cell phone users are reminded not to give old phones to young children to play with. Even a phone without a data plan can still call 9-1-1.

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Contact:
Strathcona County
Communications
780-410-6595strathcona.ca

Background information

The average 9-1-1 call volume per day (January 1 to May 31, 2023) is 142 calls. This is an increase of 18 per cent over 2022.

In 2022, Strathcona County answered 43,899 9-1-1 calls. Just over 18 per cent were non-emergency calls. As of May 31, 2023, the Emergency Communications Centre has answered 21,491 9-1-1 calls with almost 26 per cent being non-emergency.